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Eugene Cornu & Cie. A large gilt-bronze urn Paris, third quarter 19th century, after the celebrated model by Claude Ballin
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Eugene Cornu & Cie.
- bronze, marble
- height 26 1/4 in.
- 66.5 cm
engraved EUG. CORNU & CIE. PARIS
Condition
Overall in good condition and presentation with the usual minor scratches and tarnishing to gilding consistent with age and use. Minutes chips around marble base edges
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The vase is one from a series of six of differing designs, supplied for the third and last parterre of the Jardin Haut; the Parterre du Midi in the gardens of Versailles, just outside Paris.
In 1687, the mason Deschamps enclosed the parterre by low retaining walls on the North, East, and West. Six pairs of bronze vases, including one of this model, were placed on the wall at that time. Originally designed to be executed in silver by Claude Ballin (d. 1678), the King's goldsmith, due to the high cost of the war in Flanders, eventually would cast them in bronze between 1660 and 1680.
Jean Lepautre executed the prints of the six designs for Louis XIV's Cabinet du Roi, at Versailles. The print for this vase is inscribed Vase de Bronze, de 2 pieds 6. po. de haut. A Versailles. / Par Claude Bellain de Paris; and le Porte sculps. 1673.
In 1852, eighteen further vases were placed along the East and West sides. They were cast by Calla who copied the earlier vases and added three more patterns.
Louis XIV's gardens at Versailles were inspired by the myth of the Sun God, Apollo, as personified by the King who was dubbed Le Roi Soleil.
This illustrates why the sides of the vases with the dragon handles are decorated with scenes from the myth of Apollo, associated with the rewards accorded to heroes. The oak garland is associated with the Pythian games founded by Apollo in memory of his victory over Python, and the laurel wreath is linked with the nymph Daphne, who, as she was pursued by Apollo, implored her father to save her and was therefore transformed into a laurel, or bay tree.
With the exception of the bronze copies at Versailles, Ballin's vases were to remain unique until the third quarter of the 19th century, when the 4th Marques of Hertford (d. 1870) had copies cast for his estate outside Paris, Pavillon de Bagatelle.
In 1687, the mason Deschamps enclosed the parterre by low retaining walls on the North, East, and West. Six pairs of bronze vases, including one of this model, were placed on the wall at that time. Originally designed to be executed in silver by Claude Ballin (d. 1678), the King's goldsmith, due to the high cost of the war in Flanders, eventually would cast them in bronze between 1660 and 1680.
Jean Lepautre executed the prints of the six designs for Louis XIV's Cabinet du Roi, at Versailles. The print for this vase is inscribed Vase de Bronze, de 2 pieds 6. po. de haut. A Versailles. / Par Claude Bellain de Paris; and le Porte sculps. 1673.
In 1852, eighteen further vases were placed along the East and West sides. They were cast by Calla who copied the earlier vases and added three more patterns.
Louis XIV's gardens at Versailles were inspired by the myth of the Sun God, Apollo, as personified by the King who was dubbed Le Roi Soleil.
This illustrates why the sides of the vases with the dragon handles are decorated with scenes from the myth of Apollo, associated with the rewards accorded to heroes. The oak garland is associated with the Pythian games founded by Apollo in memory of his victory over Python, and the laurel wreath is linked with the nymph Daphne, who, as she was pursued by Apollo, implored her father to save her and was therefore transformed into a laurel, or bay tree.
With the exception of the bronze copies at Versailles, Ballin's vases were to remain unique until the third quarter of the 19th century, when the 4th Marques of Hertford (d. 1870) had copies cast for his estate outside Paris, Pavillon de Bagatelle.